Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Hours: full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Lynchburg VA, 24501

Why Become CPRS with Horizon?

• Automatic pay raise after obtaining CPRS certification
• Quality behavior health training with Central Virginia company in operation for 50+ years
• Retirement plan through Virginia State Retirement System (VRS)
• Generous paid vacation time

Position Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) functions as a role model and coach to those seeking personal wellness and long-term recovery by adhering to professional ethics, demonstrating competencies, using effective coping skills, serving as an advocate, using best practices and providing information and referral. This is an entry-level position and will be required to complete all required training and supervision hours to apply for certification within one year of hire date.

Services include one-on-one peer mentoring, peer led support groups, telephone outreach, assisting clients in accessing community resources, services and affiliation with recovery-supported social activities. Some evening and weekend hours.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma / GED
• At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.

Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of services and systems available in the community, including primary health care, support services, and generic community resources; knowledge of the nature of the recovery process, including the use of established standardized mental health, substance use, and co-occurring processes; knowledge of basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery. Ability to identify and document an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports; ability to develop recovery, resiliency, and wellness plans by integrating information obtained from informal assessments, evaluations, observations, and interviews; ability to promote services, supports, and strategies for the recovery process; ability to utilize personal experience to support others in recovery; ability to work as a member of a team, maintaining effective, professional working relationships with individuals within the agency as well as those in the community.

Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holidays, etc.) as required. Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver’s license. May be called upon to travel to any Horizon worksite; transport clients, provide services to clients at other locations. Ability to participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training; includes both verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques to be utilized with consumers as needed.

THE BEST BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMUNITY

We’re proud to offer some of the best benefits options in Central Virginia. Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is exclusively for public service workers in Virginia, while several options exist for life, health, dental, and vision insurance. Emphasis on work-life balance means a generous annual leave policy ensuring time for wellness with separate time allocated for sick leave and additionally for paid holidays. Stay active with Horizon’s annual wellness programs and various opportunities to interact with the community through the year. Horizon’s clinical sites are NHSC/HRSA-approved for clinical student loan repayment, and qualify for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Behavioral Health State Loan Repayment (BHLRP) programs. If you are interested in continuing your education, working at Horizon qualifies you to receive discounts at some local universities.

To Apply – Please visit our online career center at

Horizon Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).